Y7 appeals - what makes a good case?

[charlieandlola]

I know that :

1. his friends are going
   
2. It is difficult to get to the allocated schools
   
3. I like this school better
   
4. the results are better
   

are not good cases for appeal, so those who have been successful in the past, what were your "winning" cases.
We have our appeal next week, so want to stress test our case if possible ( I won't lie and use your examples, don't worry). There are 50 appeals being heard, and in the highest intake they took 10 at appeal, so we have a v slim chance, but you've got to be in it to win it!
Thanks

[ThreeLannistersOneTargaryen]

Most appeals are not successful. The ones that have been, amongst the people I know, were on these grounds:

1. The school or the LA made an error, and the child actually met the admissions criteria. The parents were able to prove this.
   
   
2. After the original application, the child's SEN were assessed and they received a diagnosis. The parents were able to prove that the child's educational needs could only be met at the school they were appealing to.

[ToFollowJulie]

We won a Y7 appeal 4 years ago with similar odds.

Our reasons for appeal were:
Sibling - siblings were not prioritised in the admission criteria. Our DDs are only one year apart so the impact of going to different schools would be felt for the longest possible time.
Faith - there was no faith school locally. We explained our reasons and gave supporting information.
School specialism - why it would be advantageous to DD (with certificates etc to illustrate).

We also talked about difficulties with transport. I know this is normally discounted on here but it was a significant problem for us and we were asked a number of questions about it at appeal.

The school were really helpful and told us what to do. They advised us to include a letter from DH's employer on the transport issue, a letter from DD1 in support of the sibling issue (I was very sceptical about this but we did it anyway) and a letter from the vicar to support our faith assertions.

Good luck with your appeal :)

[mummytime]

I have known lots of people win secondary appeal without a social, medical or SEN reason!

But the school has to be shown to be able to take more pupils, past evidence of coping (and not just a "bulge" class) is helpful. A friend though went and measured classrooms.

I would though strongly suggest you quantify why: "3. I like this school better".
What does the appealed for specifically offer that matches the needs of your child? Clubs in an area of interested/demonstrated talent? Languages particularily relevant to your family? Sports - your child has shown interest in? Subjects not offered by other schools in line with your child's interests/talents.

Is there any reason your child needs to be with their friends? Social, emotional - can you prove this? Teacher/Doctor's note.

The results issue is totally irrelevant someone has to go to the given school so why not you?

[LucasNorthCanSpookMeAnytime]

mummytime, I think you misread the OP's post - the examples she listed weren't her reasons, she was saying that they aren't good reasons.

[charlieandlola]

Thanks everyone - Yes, you are right LucasNorth, I posted the 4 things I thought were the most common reasons for appeal, but that don't actually stand up, rather than our reasons.